Archive for Items Categorized 'Automobiles', only excerpts shown, click title for full entry.

The Wilson Preselector Gearbox, Armstrong Siddeley-Type

by Peter “Banjo” Meyer

It’s all in the name: preselecting allows you to call up the next gear, usually with the transmission remaining in the current gear until you press the “gear change pedal,” thereby obviating the need to master timing clutch to shift lever. It’s complicated. This book explains all.

Alfa Romeo Aerospider

by Georg Gebhard

From Europe to Australia, since around 2010 there’s not a concours of note where this one-off Alfa has not been on display, making up for the decades it languished in obscurity. This book doesn’t answer all the questions but it’s all there is.

The Cellini of Chrome

by Henry Dominguez

George Walker was flamboyant, charismatic, possessed flair and a personality that matched his beaming smile. Ford hired this capable designer as its first-ever vice president of styling.

A Life Restoring & Racing Historic Cars

by Tony Merrick

In certain circles, seeing Merrick’s name in the thick binders of documentation accompanying important vintage cars is enough of an imprimatur to sign large checks. Here his story in his own words.

Peter Falk, 33 Years of Porsche Rennsport and Development

by Peter Falk and Wilfried Müller

As Porsche’s most successful head of motorsports, Falk made enormous contributions—that the world at large rarely heard about. “Falk talks . . . at last” is how the book begins and right out of the gate tickles the imagination and sets the breezy tone for what is to follow.

When Rolls and Royce Made History on Dover’s White Cliffs

by Paul Tritton

This small book adds useful detail to a lesser-known chapter of the history of not only the two cofounders of Rolls-Royce but two other important men in the firm’s, and Britain’s history.

Don’t Wash Mine

by Kirk F. White

Kirk White lived so many aspects of “car-ness”—from Hershey to Hot Rod Reunion, from LeMans to NHRA run-offs in Kansas, concours to conceiving and conducting the first-ever vintage car auction.

Zen and the Art of Collecting Old Cars

by Bruce Valley

After six decades around interesting cars, there are stories to be told, stories that may well save the reader headaches. Even if you’re a seasoned collector, there’s always something useful about comparing notes.

Bulli Love

by Edwin Baaske (ed.)

Sixty-five years old, the VW Transporter is still being built. This book of photo essays is by and for people who love their Bullies.

Gentleman Heroes

by Giles Chapman with Clare Hay

If there is such a thing as “the most recognizable Bentley,” this may be the one. It didn’t win a lot, it didn’t hold up very well, but it played a singular and important role. And its price today is in the stratosphere.

The Rise and Fall of the French Alpine Rally

by Martin Pfundner

How better to shake out cars—and impress the buying public—than by flogging them up and down hairy mountain passes. The French took their time embracing it but once they did, they stuck with it. Finally, here’s a proper book in English.